2024 was a year full of stories that swept us off our feet, left us in tears, and had us obsessively seeking recommendations. With everything from heart-racing thrillers to cozy reads that felt like a warm hug, this year’s bookish trends gave us plenty to talk about. To celebrate, we turn to five brilliant Bookstagrammers whose TBR stacks are as high as their passion for the written word. We asked them about their favorite trends, 2025 predictions, their most memorable reads, and even threw in a few fun literary curveballs. So, settle into your coziest nook, and let’s unpack the stories that made this year unforgettable!
The Five Bookstagrammers
Tia
Tia, the brains behind @tias.bookshelf_, is UK-based with English and Ghanaian heritage. Her platform is a serene haven for romance and fantasy enthusiasts, featuring aesthetically pleasing photos, detailed book annotations, and engaging discussions. Her mission is to create a judgment-free space where readers can authentically express their love for literature. Her dedication to fostering community and sharing her passion for books has earned her a significant following and recognition within the literary world.
Melissa
Melissa, the smart vision behind @bookswithbuzzi, is a Toronto-based book blogger and content creator. By day, she works as a business analyst for a major Canadian bank. By night, she indulges her passion for reading, sharing book reviews, and making recommendation lists across various genres. Her account features a clean aesthetic, offering followers a visually pleasing experience alongside insightful literary content. Melissa’s platform aims to inspire readers and support authors, fostering a vibrant community of book enthusiasts.
Kaitlyn
Kaitlyn, the visionary behind @kaitlyns_library, is from New South Wales, Australia. She shares her passion for reading through artfully crafted photos, book reviews, and personal insights, fostering a lively community of book lovers. Her content often highlights diverse reads and works by First Nations authors, aiming to spark important discussions. Her platform serves as a creative outlet where she connects with like-minded individuals and expresses her love for literature.
Eloise
Eloise, the trailblazer known as @eloise_bradbooks, is devoted to celebrating queer literature in Lyon, France. With a colorful and engaging aesthetic, she shares LGBTQIA+ book recommendations, thematic lists, and personal reviews, creating a warm and inclusive community for readers. Her passion for representation stems from her own experiences, aiming to help others find themselves in stories. Her platform is a beacon of queer bookish joy, offering readers a space to discover diverse narratives and feel seen.
Cassandra
Cassandra, the vibrant force behind @romance.and.rose, is a passionate reader from Southern California who now calls Oregon home. Her platform is a haven for enthusiasts of spicy romance novels, where she shares candid, spoiler-filled reviews and fosters a community of readers. Beyond Bookstagram, she also engages her audience on TikTok, discussing favorite book tropes and hosting live sessions with authors and narrators. Her content is celebrated for its authenticity and humor, offering a welcoming space for fans of the romance genre.
The Questions
1. What do you think has contributed to the popularity of genres like young adult and romance in 2024, and how do they compare to emerging trends in fantasy, mystery, and memoir?
Tia: I feel that the YA genre has definitely taken a big leap this year with some of the most viral and most popular books being in the YA genre — for example, one of my favourite reads of the year being a YA fantasy.
Melissa: I think genres like young adult and romance have become so popular in 2024 because they’re typically “comfortable” books. Who doesn’t love a good coming-of-age moment or a swoony happily-ever-after? Compared to these, fantasy offers an exciting escape, mysteries are one big brain teaser, and memoirs satisfy our curiosity about other people’s lives and experiences.
Kaitlyn: I definitely believe social media has contributed. On BookTok and Bookstagram, a lot of content creators end up pushing out a lot of YA and romance books. But there has also been a rise in people [getting] into more “literary” books, which do fall under fantasy, mystery, and memoir. I do also believe social media presence by authors has also greatly contributed to the genres people are reading.
Eloise: To me, YA isn’t a “genre” but an age range that encompasses many genres — fantasy, sci-fi, contemporary, romance, and more — and that’s what makes it so special! People love YA, either because they’re within that age range and relate to the themes, or because, as older readers, we get to watch young adults be heroes, overcome challenges, and experience things we might not have been able to as teens. YA resonates with readers of all ages, offering a mix of adventure, growth, and hope that feels universally relatable.
This year, it feels like romantasy has been the standout genre, and it’s easy to see why: it allows readers to escape to a fantasy world while following characters who fall in love. It combines adventure with romance, letting readers experience the thrill of both worlds, which so many people find irresistible!
Cassandra: I think 2024 was a stressful year for many, and a lot of people found solace escaping into stories of all genres. Especially the romance genre, because of its promise that no matter what happens, you’ll always end with a happy ending.
2. How do you think the increased diversity in romance novels has impacted the genre’s popularity and appeal in 2024?
Tia: I feel that we have definitely seen a development of having more diverse characters, with them either being a side character[s] or main character[s]. And for myself, being a woman of colour, it makes me very happy to see the diversity expanding in the reading world.
Melissa: The increased diversity in romance novels has been a game changer; it’s made the genre richer and more inclusive. Seeing characters from all walks of life fall in love makes the genre so much more exciting. Everyone deserves their love story. Plus, it’s refreshing to read romances that dive into different cultures, perspectives, and experiences. It’s a reflection of the world we live in, and I think that’s a huge reason behind the genre’s popularity!
Kaitlyn: Diversity allows for people to feel seen and represented in books. As romance is one of the leading genres, it makes sense that authors are diversifying. People want diverse books, and this is heavily reflected in why romance is becoming so popular too.
Eloise: By celebrating a wider range of people and relationships, the romance genre naturally broadens its appeal, reaching a more diverse audience. But more importantly, it’s essential for readers to feel seen across all genres, including romance. Queer individuals deserve to see themselves reflected in characters and to have their love stories shared with the world. The same goes for marginalized communities, who too often don’t receive as much visibility as cisgender, straight, white, and able-bodied people.
Cassandra: Romance has consistently been the highest grossing genre in books (by a lot) since the 1980s, and I think that’s proved people of all walks of life crave love stories. In the past 4 years, a big space has been carved out for readers on social media to thrive, and I’ve seen a lot of readers in the last few years feel inspired after reading so many novels to try their hand at sharing their own. When enough people do that, with different thoughts, tastes, and backgrounds, it creates a space where there is truly something for everyone. I’m excited to see and be a part of continued diversity in the Romance genre as it continues to grow.
3. What do you think is driving the surge in popularity of fantasy as the second most trending genre in 2024?
Tia: I believe that fantasy has been very popular this year with the fact that it can sometimes be more engaging than your usual romance. And whereas a romance is based in the real world, it is nice to read a fantasy and be transported to a completely different world.
Melissa: [It’s] absolutely its ability to transport readers to new worlds! Sometimes, we need a break from reality, and fantasy gives you the ultimate break. Readers want stories that captivate their imaginations and challenge their perspectives, and fantasy does both perfectly.
Kaitlyn: It’s a great way to escape reality, and with fantasy also becoming a popular genre in movies and tv series, it makes sense that it’s being reflected in books.
Eloise: I believe fantasy is often celebrated as a powerful means of escape, especially during challenging times like the past year has been for so many people. Fantasy books invite readers to immerse themselves in worlds entirely different from our own — worlds full of limitless possibilities, where anything can happen.
However, it’s also important to remember that fantasy often carries a layer of political or social commentary. Creating a new world means exploring how it’s governed and how its people interact, whether the author chooses a utopian or dystopian setting. In this way, fantasy becomes more than just a refuge; it’s also a means of engaging with real-world issues in a creative, symbolic way.
Cassandra: Escapism. People (myself included) love to escape into worlds that are nothing like that one we live in. A world where the stakes are higher, the characters take risks, when us as a society have become so risk averse. It’s exciting, and I think people are always drawn to things that can elicit excitement within them.
4. What are your thoughts on minimalist book covers? Do you think they effectively convey the essence of a story, or do you prefer more intricate designs?
Tia: I personally like a minimalist book cover if it is done correctly. Sometimes, I don’t feel like you always need a cartoon cover or some extravagant cover — sometimes, a minimal cover is just perfect.
Melissa: Minimalist covers are cute, but I think sometimes they fail to capture the richness of the story inside. Many people still find themselves judging a book by its cover (I’m guilty of this too!), so I think it’s important that covers give you a glimpse into the story that you’re about to dive into.
Kaitlyn: I’m all for minimalist book covers. Sometimes, I get confused with intricate books, as they don’t always align with the story.
Eloise: Let’s be honest: covers absolutely impact our interest in a book. That doesn’t mean minimalist designs can’t be just as eye-catching as intricate ones. That’s the beauty of cover design — if it grabs my attention and gives me a hint of what’s inside, it’s done its job. But, like many things, cover style comes down to personal preference. Some people love minimalist covers, while others prefer more elaborate designs. You’ve got to catch the attention of the intended audience.
Cassandra: I am a bit of slut when it comes to book covers (ha-ha) because I enjoy a diverse array of aesthetics. Give me florals, foiling, minimalism, maximalism, pretty much anything but a half-naked man on a book cover. I think there are many ways to capture the essence of a story with many different aesthetics, which is why I’ve enjoyed the rise in special additions, and alternate covers. It gives the reader more of choice in what cover speaks to them most.
5. Looking ahead, what trends do you anticipate will continue to evolve or emerge in the bookish world in 2025?
Tia: I believe that the fantasy genre is going to expand massively, and I also believe that we will see a lot more cowboy romances in 2025, as they have become increasingly popular this year.
Melissa: I think interactive reading experiences are something we’ll see more of in 2025, like books with playlists, QR codes for bonus content, or digital elements that bring scenes to life. We saw some of it this year, but I think readers want the ability to be pulled deeper into stories in creative and immersive ways. Imagine when reading a fantasy book, being able to scan a page to see a 3D map of the world you’re reading about!
Kaitlyn: Definitely more diversity, as more and more people are sharing and talking about it. I do also see a rise in thrillers. I also think more easy-to-digest fantasy books will be becoming more popular too.
Eloise: Romantasy is gaining popularity by the day, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. It wouldn’t be surprising if we start seeing even more genre-blending, like “horrortasy” or “historithrillers.”
Another trend I’d love to see more of is the rise of immersive audiobooks, where you not only hear the narrator but also experience soundscapes that pull you right into the story’s atmosphere. I discovered this with Ryan La Sala’s The Honeys, where you could actually hear the crackling of a campfire and the buzzing of bees. No other audiobook has ever truly matched that immersive experience for me.
Cassandra: I think authors and publishers will continue to up their game when it comes to physical book covers (sprayed edges, foiling, character art, bonus content, etc.). [With] e-reading via phones, iPads, and Kindles being so much more common nowadays, they have to stay on top of making physical books that people will want to own and display anyways, no matter what format the reader prefers. Book-to-movie and TV adaptations have been around for years and years, but I think we’re going to start seeing it become much more common in the coming years with people feeling burnt out on “remakes” craving original stories again.
Burning Bonus Questions
Of the books you’ve read for 2024, which ones are your favorite?
Tia: Choosing a favourite read is like choosing between my babies, but one book that stood out to me the most would be The Right Move by Liz Tomforde, which is book 2 in the Windy City series. I loved everything about it, and I wish I could re-read it for the first time again.
Melissa: My reading this year was all over the place, and I read such a wide range of books! I started the year by reading House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J Maas (the second it was released), and although it wasn’t my favourite, I still think everyone absolutely needs to read that series. There were a few thrillers I read this year that I absolutely loved; First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston and Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera, both hooked me from the very beginning. In the summer, I read a ton of romances and at the top of the list for me were The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren and Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez! It was a great reading year for sure!
Kaitlyn: Yellowface by R.F. Kuang, Pucking Around by Emily Rath, and Daydream by Hannah Grace.
Eloise: I’ve loved In Repair by A.L. Grazidei, Desert Echoes by Abdi Nazemian, and Exes & Foes by Amanda Woody.
Cassandra: I’ve read over 130 books this year, so that’s a tough one, but 5 off the top of my head: A Thousand Broken Pieces by Tillie Cole, Catch the Sun by Jennifer Hartmann, Heartbreaker by Sara Cate, A Love Letter to Whiskey by Kandi Steiner, and Lights Out by Navessa Allen.
What is one thing you wish the book industry would start doing/doing more of in 2025, and what is something you want them to leave behind in 2024?
Melissa: In 2025, I’d love the book industry to continue to market their books in fun creative ways! More pop-up events when a new book is released, interactive author interviews, bookish scavenger hunts, etc. Get readers even more excited about new releases!
Kaitlyn: Definitely would love more diversity from the book industry. I think people who create bookish content should aim for a minimum of one diverse read a month, as it’s beyond educational and informs publishers of what people want to read about.
Eloise: We’re already getting more asexual representation this year than the year before, but I need the book industry to give more ace authors a voice and allow them to show the world that aspec people exist, deserve to be shown, and celebrated as much as straight people are — or as much as gay romances are starting to become more popular.
Cassandra: I would love for Audiobook distributors to start giving authors a fairer cut of their audiobooks sales. As an avid audiobook listener, it breaks my heart that an author is not only responsible for paying a production company to produce their audiobook, but also for the narrators’ rates to perform it — only for these distributors to take an up to 70% cut of the sales just to have it on their platform. Or sometimes, they’ll sell their rights away for a flat rate in the beginning, giving someone else full control and financial benefits of their work, and whatever success that audiobook makes. With the rapidly growing rise in audiobook listeners around the world, it makes me sad that most of the time there is far less financial gain for authors in audiobooks than there is in other formats.
What I would love to leave behind in 2024 is people judging readers for their taste in genres, fictional characters, plots, and themes. It’s not real, so if I like to read about two serial killers finding love, or a girl falling for her stalker, that doesn’t mean I at all condone that behavior in real life. Just like people who enjoy horror movies aren’t hoping they find themselves in those situations. It exists for entertainment purposes only.
And a Merry Reading to All
A heartfelt thank you to Cassandra, Eloise, Kaitlyn, Melissa, and Tia for openly sharing their love of books and the magic they see behind the titles. Their generous time spent answering our questions is endlessly appreciated. Their passion for stories, creativity, and building a community of readers is truly inspiring!
Learn more about Tia here.
Learn more about Melissa here.
Learn more about Kaitlyn here.
Learn more about Eloise here.
Learn more about Cassandra here.
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